Why Men Don't Visit the Doctor Often
Annual Check Ups are Essential to Good Health
Millions of men end up with health conditions that could have been avoided, had they taken the time to visit the doctor and have regular check ups. Men, however, have been reluctant to go to the doctor for a variety of reasons.
Women are Socialized to Have Annual Check Ups, Men Are Not
As children, boys are taken to the doctor for annual check ups by their parents just as often as girls are. However, as girls reach reproductive age, they are programmed to have annual gynecological examinations. This helps to create a pattern of preventive and routine medical care for women. Men, however, do not have the same patterns of medical care and will discontinue annual check ups after puberty.
Men Have a Difficult Time Talking About Health Issues
Medical care may include discussions about emotions, stress, and depression. In addition, physical problems can be sexual. Talking about “private” areas of the body or their emotions is more difficult for men than for women. They may be embarrassed or simply feel uncomfortable. Either way, it is easier to avoid going, and therefore, avoid embarrassing conversations.
Doctors Are For Illness
Most men do not see a doctor unless there is something wrong. They see medical offices as somewhere to go when they are sick or injured. Many do not see the use of preventive care.
Doctor’s Offices Are Geared Toward Women
Men feel uncomfortable, even in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. The décor in the waiting rooms and the examination rooms are often geared toward women. The magazines on the tables are often women’s magazines. Men feel unwelcome.
Going to the Doctor is not “Masculine”
Being sick is a sign of weakness. It means there is something wrong or that the person is not “strong” enough to deal with a problem. Men have socially been told to “suck it up” and deal with it. Accepting they have something wrong with them and must ask for help can be difficult.
Men, however, just like women, can benefit from annual check-ups. Many diseases are preventable or are better able to be treated when detected and treated early.
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References:
Nelson, Paul (2008, June 25). Report: Men Don't Visit Doctors as Often as Women. KSL.com
Hayes, M.D., Daniel (1999,June 14). Why Men Don't Visit the Doctor ... and Why They Should. CNN
(2005,Nov 21). Men Tell Why They Don't Go to the Doctor's. Fatherhood Institute
